Ghost Boy (Lams)

(Not) The End

Alex's eyes fluttered open, a blinding white light burning his sight and causing him to wince and close his eyes again. The damn hospital lights were always so bright, he didn't understand why, it only made his brain throb.
He felt around with his hand, looking for the remote to summon a nurse, but he was struggling to find it. He furrowed his brows, running his hand across his side and feeling... wood?
His eyes shot open again, the burning light shining at him again before gradually dimming to reveal a bright blue sky. This wasn't his hospital room.

Alex shot up, none of his drips or heart monitors there anymore, he only wore a soft, cotton white shirt and white shorts. Where was everyone? His wife, the kids, they were just here?
"Eliza?" His voice croaked, blinking slowly as he attempted to make sense of his surroundings.
He could hear the crashing of waves, a serene beach just below the jetty he was perched on.
"What-" he whispered, looking around at the empty beach, everything extremely bright, like a pastel VSCO filter had just been painted over everything, exposure on high. The sand was sugary white, and the waves were a crisp crystal blue. It was too perfect, nothing like this really existed.

He carefully pressed his hands against the pale wooden boards he was on and pushed himself up to stand, for the first time in a few weeks now, standing with ease. He glanced around, turning to face the ocean slowly, shielding the sun from his eyes with his forearm and squinting into the bright horizon.
"You made it," a soft voice echoed from further down the jetty. Alex was instantly bathed in comfort, a warm feeling flowing through every vein in his body upon hearing the smooth clarion tones.

He took a few hesitant steps forward, enjoying the feel of his bare feet against the warm wood planks. He knew this voice, he knew it far too well, but from where.
"Don't tell me you've forgotten who I am," the voice chuckled, now being associated to a figure up ahead, seated by the end of the jetty, curled up cosily.

Recognition flashed in Alexander's eyes and with a gasp and an electric jolt of adrenaline he surged forward, sprinting to the end of the jetty. He dropped to the planks and threw his arms around the figure, instantly caving in onto him.
"I'm sorry," Alex whimpered quietly, clutching onto the boy for dear life, burying his face in his soft curls.

"You don't see me for 35 years and the first thing you do is apologise?" John snickered, raising a brow but hugging back anyway.
"I owe you that one," Alex huffed, sniffling a little, his eyes already very glossy with tears.
"Well I owe you this," John sighed, cupping his cheeks and very gently connecting their lips.
Alex smiled against his lips before pulling away slowly, taking his hands and squeezing them.

"I missed you," Alex whispered, his voice wavering slightly. John smiled sadly and tilted his head to the side ever so slightly.
"I missed you too, Alex, I really did, and I'm proud of you," he hummed sincerely.
"Proud?" Alex murmured shakily, furrowing his brows.
"You never let me go, but you found it in you to move on, and not let your life waste away, you did and created amazing things, and I'm so proud of you for that," John smiled excitedly, tears beginning to slip down Alex's cheeks.

"I knew you wouldn't have wanted me to just, give up, that's what kept me going," Alex sighed shakily, nodding slowly.
"Thank you, Alex," John beamed, tugging him forward into another hug, this one gentler and more for comfort.
"No, thank you John, thank you,"

———

Eliza had the washing basket slung under her arm, making her way down the hallway and past each of the children's bedrooms. She walked quickly and quietly, wanting to just get these chores done so she could sit and relax, when she heard a soft murmuring.
She paused. She listened.

"I still don't get it bro," Alexander Jr's voice hummed from his room, Eliza squinting her eyes and moving a little closer. "I mean I could try talking to her, but I dunno!" He whined.
Was he talking to himself? That was new.
"Philip, bro, as if," Eliza tensed up.

It had been 3 years now since the loss of their father, and 1 year since Philip left them too, and it had been a hard 3 years, but the kids were staying strong since the loss of their father and older brother. Eliza considered herself lucky she hadn't had to deal with any trauma or mental health issues with any of the children, until now at least.

"It's your unfinished business, not mine," Alex Jr's voice huffed with slight frustration. "I want to help you but you aren't making this easy."
Eliza gulped nervously, theories beginning to form. She was being reminded of Alex's behaviour, specifically at the restaurant on their first date.
"Alex, honey," she called softly, knocking on the door and slowly pushing it further open. "You okay?"

He spun around with wide eyes, face tense with shock.
"Y-yeah mom, peachy," she'd heard that one before.
"Who're you talking to?" Eliza furrowed her brows, leaning against the doorframe with the washing basket on her hip. Alex held his breath and glanced around skeptically.
"Myyyyself?"

Eliza pressed her lips together, stepping inside and leaving the basket on the floor, taking a seat on the bed beside him.
"Alex, is there anything you want to talk to me about?" She spoke softly, tilting her head and rubbing his back.
Alex hesitated before shifting his gaze to the floor, shaking his head.
"It's stupid, I'm being stupid."

"Nothing you say is stupid, Alexander, I'll never think that of you," Eliza assured him, shaking her head and squeezing his shoulder.
"Go on, what's troubling you?"

"I see... ghosts,"